Tokyo 2020 Readies for London Launch

A statement from Tokyo 2020 says the “strategy meeting” with the governor included top sport and business backers of the bid who welcomed Inose. On the agenda were discussions about the submission of the bid book to the IOC and the Evaluation Commission visit in March, among other topics.

While it was his first visit as governor, Inose is no stranger to the bid, having served as vice governor of Tokyo for five years.

"I would like to personally thank the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee for their unyielding passion and dedication throughout this bid campaign," Inose said. "We have learned important lessons from our previous bid, and now have the experience to deliver a stronger and improved bid plan. I will do everything possible to host the 2020 Games, by uniting the country as one through close collaboration with the Bid Committee, national government, and sports and business communities."

“We couldn't be happier to have him on our team. His guidance and influence will strengthen our collaborations with the national and local governments, as well as the business and sport communities. His strong presence gives us even greater hope of realising our goal to host the greatest celebration on the planet: the Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The St Pancras Renaissance. (Getty Images)

London Launch For Tokyo Campaign

Tokyo 2020 is the first of the 2020 bids to announce a launch for its international campaign. The bid plans to unveil parts of the bid book on January 10 in London.

The event will take place at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel with a senior delegation.

Istanbul and Madrid are expected to follow soon with their own events. The international phase of the 2020 race starts Jan. 1.

New Tokyo Sponsors

On Friday, Tokyo 2020 announced that Yahoo! JAPAN and GREE, agreed to sponsor the Olympic bid in a collaborative, technology-driven partnership. Yahoo! JAPAN is the country’s largest internet portal and GREE is a mobile social gaming company.

According to a statement, the parternship will launch a campaign enabling “athletes, celebrities, professors, sports fans and members of the public,

Yahoo! JAPAN, GREE and Tokyo 2020 officials. (AFLO Sport)

particularly today's highly interconnected youth, to share their hopes and passion for the 2020 Games in Tokyo.”

The messages will be shared in a dedicated portal managed by both companies.

"Yahoo! JAPAN will fully support the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid as Problem Solving Engine,” Yahoo! JAPAN President and CEO Manabu Miyasaka said. “Under our slogan 'what can the Internet do for Japan,' we look forward to continue providing a unique service that enables people to share and express their passion for the Olympics and Paralympics."

GREE Founder and CEO Yoshikazu Tanaka added the 2020 Olympics: " would give people in Japan a new dream and a renewed sense of optimism, and provide an arena for showcasing Japan's cultural and technological strengths to the world. At GREE we are firm believers in the values guiding the Olympic Movement, which reaches beyond borders and cultural differences to bring people around the world together in peace."